Joel Connelly: Every Dollar Counts

On election eve, the campaign of Republican Rep. Dave Reichert has issued an urgent appeal for one last infusion of campaign cash.

“This race will be very close: We have had to spend our campaign coffers down to nothing and we still have critical Election Day activities that we must pay for. Can you help Dave in the final push by making a contribution?” wrote Eric Yates, Reichert’s finance director.

It’s a decided change of tone from early in the year. When Reichert passed the $1.1 million mark, the campaign’s manager said his prowess at fundraising had put the 8th District race out of reach.

With Democratic challenger Darcy Burner having passed the $3 million mark, and national TV focused on the 8th District race, the East Side district is one of the places that will determine which party controls the next Congress.

“Many of you have opened your wallets and volunteered your time, which has put Dave in a position to win on Tuesday,” wrote Yates. “Still, Dave needs your help to fund our critical Get Out the Vote effort.

“As you’ve seen in the news, Dave’s race for reelection is extremely close and a well funded GOTV program will make the difference between sending Dave back to Congress and losing a public servant with 35 years of experience.”